Author: France 24

A new IISS study shows Russian defence spending exceeds all of Europe’s combined… adding weight to worries that Russia would be capable of attacking other parts of the continent. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up a two-day visit to France, French President Emmanuel Macron working on developing ties with one of the world’s most important developing economies. US inflation spiked more than expected in January. Plus, Duolingo announces the death of its green owl mascot.

From Brady Corbet’s haunting “The Brutalist” about a Holocaust survivor in 1950s America to the raw and emotional “From Ground Zero”, an anthology capturing life under siege in Gaza, Eve Jackson and film critic Emma Jones take us through this week’s standout releases. Also, get ready for the return of “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy”, where Bridget dives back into the world of romance. And, the moving Iranian film “My Favourite Cake” graces the big screen.

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham struck a last-gasp goal to give the Champions League holders a 3-2 victory over Manchester City in an edge-of-your-seat first leg of their knockout phase playoff on Tuesday at the Etihad Stadium.

With one of the longest and most complex supply chains, the fashion industry faces challenges in ensuring fair and ethical practices in the manufacturing process. As a major meeting on due diligence in the sector takes place at the OECD, Kalpona Akter, founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity, speaks to France 24 about how working conditions have changed since the days she was working in a garment factory at age 12, what still needs to change, and what consumers need to do. 

Grammy-nominated guitarist, producer, and composer Cory Wong is known for his infectious funk grooves and high-energy performances. Whether solo or with the bands Vulfpeck and The Fearless Flyers, Cory Wong has redefined what it means to be a modern guitar hero. He is on tour and playing two shows at the Paris Olympia on February 11th and 12th. The guitar star speaks to culture editor Eve Jackson about his high-energy performances and how he built a huge global following.

The Trump administration’s abrupt move to dismantle USAID has upended the lives of thousands of American employees and family members posted overseas. A US judge has entered a “very limited” temporary order blocking the Trump administration’s changes to the agency, but the fate of its staff remained uncertain. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24’s Gavin Lee welcomes Reed Brody, former New York Assistant Attorney General Reed Brody. Mr. Brody is currently an ICJ Commissioner, Human Rights Lawyer, War Crimes Prosecutor, and Author of ‘To Catch a Dictator’. According to Mr. Brody, USAID actually ‘protects America’: ‘A world…

The Philadelphia Eagles trounced the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in the Super Bowl on Sunday that was attended by President Donald Trump. Quarterback Jalen Hurts led the Eagles with two touchdown passes and a rushing score, avenging their previous Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. The defeat ended the Chiefs’ bid for a third consecutive NFL title.

Tesla sales slumped in January in multiple markets around the world.  In Europe’s largest car market Germany, sales declined by 60% compared to the same month in 2024. Among the contributing factors was Elon Musk’s increasing involvement in politics and his recent behaviour.  But first, metal prices rose after Donald Trump said he would impose additional 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium coming into the United States. 

On today’s show, Jennifer Ben Brahim chats with the bandleader of Frànçois & The Atlas Mountains. Francois Marry’s band first took root in Bristol back in 2011 and is now back with their sixth album “Âge Fleuve” or “River Age”: an introspective and life affirming record, full of ear-catching melodies and jazz flourishes. Influenced by the loss of his father during the pandemic, the new album also takes inspiration from Marry’s new home in the Landes – a place full of nature in southwest France.

France’s Violette Dorange made history on Sunday by becoming the youngest skipper to complete the Vendee Globe solo round-the-world yacht race. Placing 25th, the 23-year-old finished the race in 90 days and broke a record set in 2016 by the previous youngest-ever finisher.